Brevard County, FL Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential zones
- Bees not permitted
- Agricultural zones
- Beekeeping is a permitted use
- Hive limits
- None stated in the code
- Setbacks
- None stated for hives
- Penalty
- Up to $500 or 60 days
Summary
Section 62-2108 makes it unlawful to keep bees on premises not zoned for agricultural use. Beekeeping is listed as a permitted use in the county's productive agricultural and agricultural residential zoning classifications.
586.10  Powers and duties of department; preemption of local government ordinances. — (1)  The authority to regulate, inspect, and permit managed honeybee colonies and to adopt rules on the placement and location of registered inspected managed honeybee colonies is preempted to the state through the department and supersedes any related ordinance adopted by a county, municipality, or political subdivision thereof. (2)  The department shall: (a)  Administer and enforce this chapter. (b)  Adopt rules necessary to enforce this chapter, rules relating to standard grades for honey and other honeybee products, and, after consultation with local governments and other affected stakeholders, rules to administer this section.
Full Breakdown
The county's rule is short. Section 62-2108 says it is unlawful to keep, harbor, breed or maintain bees on any premises not zoned for agricultural use or otherwise excepted under Chapter 62. The same section separately allows up to four chickens per half acre in single-family residential zones, but bees get no equivalent residential allowance. Beekeeping appears as a permitted use in the productive agricultural PA classification under Section 62-1332 and in the agricultural residential AU and AU(L) classification under Section 62-1334. The code states no hive count, setback distance or flyway barrier requirement.
Violations & Fines
Keeping bees outside an agricultural zone violates Section 62-2108, enforced under Sections 62-1105 and 62-1106: up to $500 or 60 days, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep bees in my backyard in Brevard County?
What are the beekeeping regulations in Brevard County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brevard County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Brevard County to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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